Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

 

When the weather turns chilly, few things are as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty soup. Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is the perfect choice to chase away the winter chill. This soup combines tender chunks of potato, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, savory broth for a comforting and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delightful soup from scratch. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a bowl of cozy goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Broth:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
3. Remove any excess fat from the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef.
2. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

1. Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery.
2. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the bay leaf to the pot.
4. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring the vegetables are submerged.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Base

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps.
4. Cook the creamy mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Combine the Creamy Base with the Soup

1. Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Pour the creamy base into the soup pot and stir well to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup into bowls.
2. Optionally, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor and color.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness.

 

Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is a wholesome, comforting dish that warms both body and soul. With its hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in. So, whip up a batch of this delicious soup and savor the comforting flavors that will make it a family favorite in no time.